Hydro-Geochemistry and Water Quality Index Assessment in the Dakhla Oasis, Egypt

Water quality is crucial to the environmental system and thus its chemistry is important, and can be directly related to the water’s source, the climate, and the geology of the region. This study focuses on analyzing the hydrochemistry of specific locations within the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt. A total of thirty-nine groundwater samples representing the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer (NSSA) and seven surface water samples from wastewater lakes and canals were collected for analysis. Key parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured on-site, while major ions and trace elements (Fe+2 and Mn+2) were analyzed in the laboratory. The water quality index (WQI) method was imployed to assess the overall water quality. Hydro-chemical facies were investigated using Piper’s, Scholler’s, and Stiff diagrams, revealing sodium as the dominant cation and chloride, followed by bicarbonate as the dominant anion. The hydro-chemical composition indicates that Na–Cl constitutes the primary water type in this study. This points to the dissolution of evaporates and salt enrichment due to intense evaporation resulting from the region’s hyper-aridity. In groundwater samples, the order of hydro-chemical facies is HCO3 − > Cl− > SO4−2 > Na+ > Ca+2 > K+ > Mg+2, while in wastewater samples, it is Cl− > Na+ >SO4−2 > HCO3− > Ca+2 > Mg+2 > K+. When considering iron and manganese parameters, the water quality index (WQI) values suggest that most groundwater samples exhibit excellent to good quality but become poor or very poor when these elements are included. This study could prove valuable for water resource management in the Dakhla Oasis

Synthesis and application of polypyrrole/carrageenan nano-bio composite as a cathode catalyst in microbial fuel cells

A novel nano-bio composite polypyrrole (PPy)/kappa-carrageenan(KC) was fabricated and characterized for application as a cathode catalyst in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). High resolution SEM and TEM verified the bud-like shape and uniform distribution of the PPy in the KC matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has approved the amorphous structure of the PPy/KC as well. The PPy/KC nano-bio composites were then studied as an electrode material, due to their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) ability as the cathode catalyst in the MFC and the results were compared with platinum (Pt) as the most common cathode catalyst. The produced power density of the PPy/KC was 72.1 mW/m2 while it was 46.8 mW/m2 and 28.8 mW/m2 for KC and PPy individually. The efficiency of the PPy/KC electrode system is slightly lower than a Pt electrode (79.9 mW/m2) but due to the high cost of Pt electrodes, the PPy/KC electrode system has potential to be an alternative electrode system for MFCs

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of condensed tannins extracted from the seeds of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) against Haemonchus contortus infection

This study was designed to examine in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of condensed tannins (CT) extracted from seeds of Medicago sativa on Haemonchus contortus in sheep. CT's in vitro anthelmintic effect was assessed at a 300 μg/ml concentration compared with albendazole (reference drug) at 10 μg/ml. The results showed that CT had a nematocidal effect on H. contortus, and the cuticle of the adult worm appeared to be its initial target. For the in vivo experiment, nine 3-month-old helminths-free lambs were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n=3) was challenged only as infected untreated controls; Group 2 (n=3) was treated with condensed tannin, and Group 3 (n=3) was treated with albendazole. Fecal and blood samples were collected every 3 days until the end of the experiment; for fecal egg count (FEC) and anti- H. contortus IgG titers determination, respectively. The lambs treated with the CT in G2 exhibited a pronounced decrease of mean FEC with great FECR% detected from the first-week post-treatment (PT) until the end of the experiment compared with G1 animals. The antibody levels gradually increased in G2 following the 2nd dose of CT treatment compared to other groups. A brilliant consistent relation between the elevation of IgG response and reduction of FEC was observed following the second booster dosing of the CT in G2. In conclusion, the CT evoked strongly in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity against H. contortus and could be used as a natural alternative treatment of high potency against haemonchosis in sheep

Perspective Chapter: The Toxic Silver (Hg)

In the late 1950s, residents of a Japanese fishing village known as “Minamata” began falling ill and dying at an alarming rate. The Japanese authorities stated that methyl-mercury-rich seafood and shellfish caused the sickness. Burning fossil fuels represent ≈52.7% of Hg emissions. The majorities of mercury’s compounds are volatile and thus travel hundreds of miles with wind before being deposited on the earth’s surface. High acidity and dissolved organic carbon increase Hg-mobility in soil to enter the food chain. Additionally, Hg is taken up by areal plant parts via gas exchange. Mercury has no identified role in plants while exhibiting high affinity to form complexes with soft ligands such as sulfur and this consequently inactivates amino acids and sulfur-containing antioxidants. Long-term human exposure to Hg leads to neurotoxicity in children and adults, immunological, cardiac, and motor reproductive and genetic disorders. Accordingly, remediating contaminated soils has become an obligation. Mercury, like other potentially toxic elements, is not biodegradable, and therefore, its remediation should encompass either removal of Hg from soils or even its immobilization. This chapter discusses Hg’s chemical behavior, sources, health dangers, and soil remediation methods to lower Hg levels

Natural Radioactivity Measurements and Radiological Hazards Evaluation for Some Egyptian Granites and Ceramic Tiles

All over the world, people widely use granites and ceramic tiles in their residential establishments. Information concerning the radiological properties of such materials reveals how to ensure the sustainability of their safe use in terms of these properties. In the present work, the distribution of the terrestrial radioisotopes U-238 (Ra-226), Th-232, and K-40 for 23 different brands of Egyptian commercial granites and ceramic tiles samples (widely used domestically and exported) was determined using gamma radiation spectroscopy. This process pinpoints the possible radiological health risks related to gamma ray exposure and radon gas resulting from the use of these materials indoors. The concentration values of the aforementioned radioisotopes in the examined samples were compared to the corresponding global average values (GAVs) of the UNSCEAR and to those available in other countries. The overall average concentrations for U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the total samples were observed to be 46.17 ± 2.81 (less than its GAV), 51.65 ± 2.35 (slightly above its GAV), and 701.62 ± 40.60 Bq/kg (1.4 times greater than the GAV), respectively. The related radiological parameters and indices were calculated and compared to the prescribed limits set by commissions and organizations concerned with radiation protection (the WHO, ICRP, UNSCEAR, and EC) to ensure the safe use of the investigated granites and ceramic tiles. The assessed indices and parameters fall within the recommended values and safety limits. In conclusion, there is no risk from using the granites and ceramic tiles under investigation in residential facilities

Natural Radioactivity Measurements and Radiological Hazards Evaluation for Some Egyptian Granites and Ceramic Tiles

All over the world, people widely use granites and ceramic tiles in their residential establishments. Information concerning the radiological properties of such materials reveals how to ensure the sustainability of their safe use in terms of these properties. In the present work, the distribution of the terrestrial radioisotopes U-238 (Ra-226), Th-232, and K-40 for 23 different brands of Egyptian commercial granites and ceramic tiles samples (widely used domestically and exported) was determined using gamma radiation spectroscopy. This process pinpoints the possible radiological health risks related to gamma ray exposure and radon gas resulting from the use of these materials indoors. The concentration values of the aforementioned radioisotopes in the examined samples were compared to the corresponding global average values (GAVs) of the UNSCEAR and to those available in other countries. The overall average concentrations for U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the total samples were observed to be 46.17 ± 2.81 (less than its GAV), 51.65 ± 2.35 (slightly above its GAV), and 701.62 ± 40.60 Bq/kg (1.4 times greater than the GAV), respectively. The related radiological parameters and indices were calculated and compared to the prescribed limits set by commissions and organizations concerned with radiation protection (the WHO, ICRP, UNSCEAR, and EC) to ensure the safe use of the investigated granites and ceramic tiles. The assessed indices and parameters fall within the recommended values and safety limits. In conclusion, there is no risk from using the granites and ceramic tiles under investigation in residential facilities

Model-Assisted Optimization of Cobalt Biosorption on Macroalgae <i>Padina pavonica</i> for Wastewater Treatment

The release of heavy metals into the environment as a result of industrial and agricultural activities represents one of the century’s most significant issues. Cobalt is a hazardous metal that is employed in a variety of industries. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box–Behnken design (BBD) was utilized to optimize the Co(II) ion removal from synthetic wastewater by the brown macroalga Padina pavonica. The influence of three factors, namely algal inoculum size, pH, and initial metal concentration, was assessed in optimization studies. RSM proposed a second-order quadratic model with a p-value of 2 of 0.984 for P. pavonica. According to the data related to RSM optimization, the maximum percentage of Co(II) removal of 84.3% was attained under the conditions of algal inoculum size of 5.98 g/L, pH of 6.73, and initial Co(II) concentration of 21.63 mg/L. The experimental data from the biosorption process were fitted well with the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The maximal Co(II) adsorption capacity was estimated using the Langmuir model to be 17.98 mg/g. Furthermore, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was shown to have the best fit for Co biosorption by P. pavonica, showing that the mechanism of Co(II) biosorption was chemisorption controlled by surface biosorption and intra-particle diffusion. Thermodynamic parameters were also investigated to evaluate the Gibbs free energy for the Co(II) ion, which was positive, showing that the biosorption process is nonspontaneous and exothermic, and the cobalt biosorption rate decreases with increasing temperature. Algal biomass was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. These analyses revealed the biosorbent’s diverse functional groups and porous, rough appearance. Therefore, P. pavonica can be used to implement sustainable, eco-friendly, and acceptable solutions to water pollution problems

Phytochemical, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of different fractions of Moringa oleifera leaves methanol extract against liver injury in animal model

Objective: To evaluate the potential antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of n-hexane, dichloromethane(DCM), ethyl acetate(EtOAc), n-butanol and aqueous fractions of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) leaves methanol extract against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. Methods: These fractions were prepared from the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract by solubilization in water and partitioning in n-hexane, EtOAc, DCM and n-butanol. Their phyto-components were identified by GC-MS analysis. The in vitro antioxidant effect of these fractions was carried out by assessment of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. A total of 40 Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into 8 equal groups: group 1 given olive oil (1 mL/kg b.wt.), group 2 injected with CCl4, group 3 to 7 administered with n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc, n-butanol and aqueous fractions, respectively after CCl4, group 8 administered with silymarin after CCl4. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, total proteins and albumin in serum were determined spectrophotometrically. Glutathione reduced, lipid peroxide by-products levels, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase enzyme activities in the liver homogenate were determined by spectrophotometer. Liver specimens were also examined for histopathological alterations under light microscope. Results: The GC-MS analysis of different fractions of the M. oleifera leaves methanol extract revealed that n-hexane, DCM, EtOAc, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions contained 17, 22, 23, 19 and 32 compounds, respectively. The percent and the molecular structure of each component in each fraction were identified. The n-butanol and EtOAc fractions exhibited the strongest in vitro antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. CCl4 significantly decreased glutathione reduced and total proteins concentration and glutathione-s-transferase and catalase activities but increased lipid peroxide by-products and total cholesterol levels. The n-hexane followed by aqueous and DCM fractions were the most potent to regulate serum enzyme activities and lipid peroxide by-products levels in the liver homogenate. Conclusions: n-hexane, DCM, and aqueous fractions have the highest effectiveness against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Isolation and purification of the active constituents require further experiments

Kinetic, Isotherm and Thermodynamic Aspects of Zn²⁺ Biosorption by <i>Spirulina platensis</i>: Optimization of Process Variables by Response Surface Methodology

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of Spirulina platensis for removing Zn2+ ions from the aqueous solutions. The optimized conditions of 4.48 g/L algal dose, pH of 6.62 and initial zinc concentration of 29.72 mg/L obtained by response surface methodology were employed for Zn2+ biosorption by S. platensis and up to 97.90% Zn2+ was removed, showing that there is a favorable harmony between the experimental data and model predictions. Different kinetic and equilibrium models were used to characterize the biosorption manner of Spirulina as a biosorbent. The kinetic manner of Zn2+ biosorption was well characterized by the pseudo-second-order, implying that the adsorption process is chemical in nature. The Langmuir and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were best fit to the equilibrium data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the Langmuir monolayer was 50.7 mg/g. Furthermore, the thermodynamic analysis revealed that Zn2+ biosorption was endothermic, spontaneous and feasible. As a result of biosorption process, FTIR, SEM, and EDX investigations indicated noticeable alterations in the algal biomass’s properties. Therefore, the dried Spirulina biomass has been shown to be cost-effective and efficient for removing the heavy metals, particularly zinc ions from wastewater, and the method is practicable, and environmentally acceptable

Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds (100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis (50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone (reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results: Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended